On this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson break down the opening day of Iowa’s 91st General Assembly, featuring powerful speeches from key legislative leaders. The episode begins with an emotional address from Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, who provides an inspiring update on his health journey and reflects on the importance of perseverance. His message underscores the unity and resolve of Iowa’s leaders as they tackle the challenges of the new session.
The hosts delve into House Speaker Pat Grassley’s comments that prioritize property tax reform, emphasizing a taxpayer-first approach. Grassley’s remarks highlight the growing dissatisfaction among Iowans with the rising property tax burden and set the stage for bold action in 2025. He stresses the need to shift focus from local government interests to the needs of Iowa’s taxpayers.
Senate President Sinclair echoes the importance of fiscal responsibility, celebrating Iowa’s strong financial position and robust economic growth fueled by prudent budgeting and past tax cuts. Sinclair’s message counters recent media criticism, asserting that Iowa’s successes stem from sound conservative policies rather than federal aid. The discussion explores contrasts between Iowa’s fiscal management and the challenges faced by neighboring Minnesota.
Wrapping up, Chris and John discuss the broader implications of the 2024 election results as a mandate for conservative governance. Comparing Iowa and Minnesota, the hosts highlight the stark differences in policy outcomes and the importance of continuing to focus on taxpayers’ needs. The episode closes with a look at upcoming legislative priorities and the importance of bold action to address Iowa’s pressing issues.

In this episode of the ITR Live Podcast, Chris Hagenow welcomes Sarah Curry to discuss the pressing issue of property taxes in Iowa. The conversation dives into the state’s property tax system, highlighting a significant milestone: Iowa’s property tax collections have reached $7 billion annually, reflecting an unsustainable growth trajectory. Sarah provides an in-depth analysis of historical trends, the effectiveness of past reforms, and the challenges of curbing local government spending.

The hosts explore the impact of recent property tax legislation, including the 2023 bill that introduced restrictions based on property valuation growth. Despite these efforts, Sarah reveals data showing that even with restrictions, property taxes in some counties and cities increased by as much as 8% and 13%, respectively. The discussion emphasizes the growing burden on Iowans, whose ability to pay is being outpaced by escalating tax rates.

Chris and Sarah also critique the challenges of local government fiscal management, questioning the sustainability of Iowa’s fragmented layers of governance. They stress the importance of state-imposed restrictions to address systemic overspending at the local level, arguing for bold reforms to protect taxpayers. The episode concludes with optimism for meaningful legislative action in 2025, while cautioning that addressing property tax issues will require a multi-year commitment.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, get involved, and push for sustainable solutions to Iowa’s property tax crisis.

In this episode of the ITR Live podcast, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson kick off the new year from the Hendrickson Library at the Institute for the Preservation of Western Civilization. They explore what’s on the horizon for Iowa politics in 2025, focusing on key issues likely to dominate the legislative session, including tax reform, education, and property taxes. The hosts delve into how Iowa maintains strong fiscal management and contrasts it with challenges in states like Minnesota.

The discussion touches on the political drama unfolding in Minnesota, from narrow legislative margins to controversies over election results. The conversation then shifts to broader issues, including the geopolitical importance of Greenland and national security implications of rare earth minerals and Arctic shipping routes. Humor and insight blend as the hosts consider the strategic significance of these topics alongside lighter banter about Canada and Greenland.

A significant portion of the episode centers on property taxes as the top legislative priority for 2025. Chris and John analyze the complexities of bold reforms, the challenges of appeasing local governments, and the need for clear plans to address spending caps and taxpayer concerns. The duo also explores ongoing debates about gender issues in schools and the potential impact of social policies on voter behavior.

Wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the value of a conservative governance approach focused on sustainable reforms. They highlight Calvin Coolidge’s wisdom about the importance of killing bad bills over passing good ones and preview topics for future episodes, including key legislative players and deeper dives into Iowa’s policy landscape.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and Policy Director John Hendrickson dive into key developments shaping Iowa’s governance and tax policies. The discussion kicks off with the appointment of Iowa’s new Lieutenant Governor, Senator Chris Cournoyer. Known for her work on state realignment and efficiency, her appointment reflects a commitment to streamlining government operations and ensuring readiness for leadership transitions.

Next, the hosts break down the December Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) report, which projects lower income tax revenue due to ongoing tax reforms. While critics have raised concerns, Chris and John explain why this decline is intentional and reflective of conservative budgeting practices. They highlight how Iowa’s fiscal health—including a strong Taxpayer Relief Fund and growing sales tax revenue—ensures that the state can meet its obligations while allowing Iowans to keep more of their hard-earned money.

The discussion then moves to the release of the 2025 income tax withholding tables, which will show Iowans the immediate benefits of the new 3.8% flat tax. For many taxpayers, this means more money in their paychecks starting January 1st, 2025. Chris and John emphasize how these tangible results demonstrate the success of pro-growth tax reforms in making Iowa a leader in fiscal policy.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a broader conversation about tax reform and the upcoming legislative session. The hosts stress the importance of maintaining conservative budgeting principles, prioritizing property tax reductions, and streamlining government to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars. They also reflect on Iowa’s national leadership in tax policy and its potential as a model for other states.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the pressing topics shaping Iowa’s future. Broadcasting from the newly equipped Hendrickson Library, the discussion highlights the upcoming legislative session and its implications for property taxes, local government spending, and economic growth. With a focus on ensuring government accountability and efficiency, the conversation reinforces ITR’s commitment to putting taxpayers first.

The episode starts with a sharp focus on property taxes, emphasizing the necessity of reducing tax collections to alleviate the financial burden on Iowans. This principle is revisited throughout the episode, underlining the critical need for tangible reforms. Hagenow and Hendrickson also provide a construction update on the ITR headquarters, humorously acknowledging the external disruptions as a metaphor for progress and economic development.

Key legislative previews follow, including insights into meetings with various state associations and media groups. These events reveal property taxes as the dominant issue on lawmakers’ agendas, with bipartisan agreement on the need for reform, albeit with diverging strategies. Hendrickson recounts his experience at the Iowa Taxpayers Association Symposium, sharing updates on economic development and the state’s fiscal health.

A deep dive into federalism rounds out the episode, exploring its foundational importance in ensuring state autonomy and effective governance. The hosts discuss how excessive federal oversight and mandates, often tied to funding, undermine local decision-making. They advocate for greater transparency and legislative oversight to combat these challenges and protect Iowa’s fiscal independence.tes

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into critical discussions about local and state government spending, upcoming legislative priorities, and broader national political issues.

Government Spending and Transparency: The conversation explores both state and local government spending practices, with particular attention to property tax reform. John highlights the benefits of capping property tax increases at 2% annually, a reform inspired by similar measures in states like New York and Massachusetts. Additionally, the hosts discuss the need for better transparency in property tax statements, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and clarity for taxpayers.

National Politics and Hunter Biden: Chris and John share their perspectives on recent national developments, including the potential implications of Hunter Biden’s pardon. They discuss how this development could shift the political landscape, including its impact on President Biden’s administration and potential strategies for Republicans heading into the next election cycle.

Economic Development and Local Investments: The hosts critique local government investments in high-profile projects, such as West Des Moines’ proposed $91 million water park and Dubuque’s $1 million allocation to the Field of Dreams project. They question whether these projects represent the best use of taxpayer dollars, suggesting that local governments should prioritize essential services over ambitious development projects.

Iowa’s Legislative Priorities for 2025: Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative session, the hosts discuss critical issues such as property tax reform, income tax reductions, and spending limitations. They emphasize the importance of responsible governance to maintain Iowa’s strong fiscal foundation, citing successful measures that have led to budget surpluses and taxpayer relief.

Committee Leadership and Legislative Dynamics: Chris and John provide insights into the new committee assignments in the Iowa legislature. They highlight the significance of these roles, particularly in areas like Ways and Means and Appropriations, which directly influence tax and budget policies. The hosts also share their optimism for continued bipartisan efforts to address Iowa’s most pressing fiscal challenges.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and regular guest John Hendrickson welcome Amity Shlaes, a distinguished historian and leading expert on economic history. The conversation delves into the enduring significance of Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding, exploring their relevance in today’s political and economic landscape. Shlaes highlights the fiscal conservatism that defined their administrations, emphasizing the importance of limited government, balanced budgets, and economic growth. The discussion underscores how their leadership, particularly through the 1920 Republican platform, navigated the country out of debt and uncertainty following World War I. A key figure in this historical narrative is Andrew Mellon, Treasury Secretary under Harding and Coolidge. Shlaes explains Mellon’s innovative tax policies, which demonstrated how lowering tax rates could stimulate economic activity, ultimately increasing government revenue—a principle echoed in modern conservative fiscal policy. Mellon’s technical expertise in managing the national debt and his clear communication with the public earned him the trust necessary to implement bold financial reforms. The episode also addresses the challenges of promoting fiscal responsibility in modern politics. Hagenow and Shlaes discuss how the federal government’s current debt crisis parallels the 1920s, underscoring the need for trust in leadership. Coolidge’s honesty and transparency, as well as his ability to clearly articulate the benefits of fiscal restraint, are presented as a model for today’s leaders. At the state level, the conversation celebrates Iowa’s fiscal discipline under Governor Kim Reynolds, showcasing how states can lead by example in responsible governance. Shlaes notes that states, unlike the federal government, must balance their budgets, and their competitive nature can drive innovation and fiscal responsibility. The discussion also contrasts conservative and progressive economic philosophies, particularly around the legacy of the New Deal. Shlaes critiques the New Deal’s long-term impact, arguing that its policies did not achieve the recovery often attributed to them. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the role of states in fostering economic growth. Listeners are encouraged to explore the work of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, which aims to educate future generations on the value of fiscal conservatism. The foundation’s scholarship program provides a full ride to any college and introduces students to Coolidge’s principles, emphasizing that Americans have a deep-seated capacity for responsibility and good governance. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of how lessons from the past can guide modern policy, highlighting the relevance of historical fiscal strategies in addressing contemporary economic challenges.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and guest John Hendrickson provide an in-depth analysis of Iowa’s political landscape following the recent elections. They begin by discussing leadership elections in the Iowa House and Senate, emphasizing the re-election of key conservative leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver. The episode highlights the significance of maintaining a strong conservative caucus, as Iowa continues to lead on policies such as tax reform and limited government.

The conversation shifts to property tax reform, a priority for the upcoming legislative session. With rising voter frustration over property taxes, the hosts delve into the importance of addressing spending, rather than just focusing on assessments. They highlight Iowa’s rollback system, which helps protect taxpayers from sharp assessment increases, while advocating for a more robust spending cap to curb government growth.

National political trends are also explored, including the introspection happening within the Democratic Party after significant electoral losses. The hosts discuss the impact of progressive policies on voter sentiment and how the left must reassess its approach to regain voter trust. They touch on the broader implications of policy overreach, both fiscally and socially, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with the priorities of everyday Americans.

Finally, the episode concludes with a critique of ranked-choice voting, which has faced widespread rejection in states across the political spectrum. The hosts argue that the system undermines the principle of one person, one vote, and praise recent efforts to repeal or block its implementation. Looking ahead, the team is optimistic about Iowa’s potential to continue setting a national standard for conservative governance and effective policy-making.

In this episode of the ITR Live Podcast, host Chris Hagenow welcomes Sarah Curry to the show. Chris and Sarah delve into the recent November bond elections, a significant event under new legislation requiring bond measures to appear on November ballots. They discuss how this change has led to higher voter turnout and greater scrutiny of these critical financial decisions. With 48 bond measures on ballots across Iowa, the elections saw mixed results: only 20 proposals secured the 60% supermajority needed to pass. These measures included funding for school improvements, public safety facilities, and recreational projects, each with a direct impact on local property taxes.

The hosts emphasize the importance of voter engagement in local elections, particularly when it comes to bond measures that can saddle communities with long-term debt. They explore how the requirement to hold bond elections in November has heightened public awareness, allowing voters to make more informed decisions. However, Sarah points out that even with increased transparency, communities often face tough choices about funding critical infrastructure versus avoiding steep property tax hikes. The conversation touches on the varying success rates of different bond measures, with some areas approving significant expenditures, while others rejected proposals for new facilities like aquatic centers or law enforcement buildings.

Chris and Sarah also discuss the phenomenon of “repeat offenders”—local governments that repeatedly bring the same bond measures to voters after initial defeats. They analyze the persistence of these proposals and the taxpayer fatigue that can result from multiple election cycles focused on similar initiatives. This leads to a broader discussion about the need for local governments to respect voter decisions and consider alternative funding strategies or scaled-back proposals.

In the final segment, the hosts shift their focus to what’s next for Iowa’s taxpayers. With local governments now entering budget season, Chris and Sarah stress the importance of continued public engagement. They encourage listeners to stay vigilant as newly elected officials begin crafting budgets that will impact property tax rates. The duo highlights the compounding effect of tax increases from various layers of government and urge Iowans to hold their representatives accountable.

The episode wraps with a call to action, inviting taxpayers to connect with ITR for resources and support in navigating these complex local government decisions. Chris and Sarah underscore the power of informed citizenry in shaping policies that promote fiscal responsibility and protect taxpayers.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson take a deep dive into the 2024 general election results in Iowa. The conversation kicks off with reflections on the tense yet hopeful atmosphere of election night, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the ITR Election Night War Room. They explore surprising outcomes and analyze the broader implications for the Republican Party, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s decisive victory in Iowa.

The duo examines the shifting voter demographics, highlighting how blue-collar workers are increasingly aligning with the GOP. They also assess the significance of local legislative races, which showcased a strong Republican presence across the state. Tax policy and economic issues emerged as pivotal factors influencing voters’ choices, a trend consistent with ITR’s mission to promote fiscal conservatism and taxpayer protections.

Chris and John delve into the inaccuracy of pre-election polling, which largely underestimated Trump’s support, and critique the media’s biased portrayal of the election. The episode wraps up with a forward-looking discussion on how Iowa’s results might reflect or influence broader national trends, particularly as the America First message continues to resonate with voters.